The stage is set for an epic showdown as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) take on Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the final of the 2025 Indian Premier League on June 3. The grand finale will unfold at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the home turf of Gujarat Titans. With neither franchise having lifted the IPL trophy in the past, this final offers a golden chance for both to etch their name in the history books. A win for PBKS skipper Shreyas Iyer could also see him become the first captain to win an IPL title with two different teams.
Known for producing high-scoring encounters, the Narendra Modi Stadium surface traditionally offers good bounce and carry for seamers early on, followed by consistent value for stroke play. The average first innings score here stands at 177, hinting that fans could be in for another run-fest under lights.
Head-to-head, PBKS and RCB are locked at 18 wins apiece from their 36 encounters. In IPL 2025, the two sides have already clashed thrice. PBKS clinched the first meeting in a rain-shortened contest, while RCB roared back with a commanding seven-wicket victory. Most recently, RCB dominated in Qualifier 1, bundling PBKS out for just 101 and chasing it down in 10 overs, thanks to Phil Salt’s blistering unbeaten 56.
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Weather might have a say in this high-voltage clash. AccuWeather predicts a hot but cloudy day in Ahmedabad, with temperatures peaking at 38°C. There’s also a 62% chance of rain, though the final has a reserve day unlike Qualifier 2, ensuring a fair result even if the weather intervenes.
PBKS earned their final berth after a gritty Qualifier 2 win over Mumbai Indians. With both sides chasing maiden glory, expect fireworks and fierce individual battles in what promises to be a thrilling finale.
#1 Phil Salt vs Arshdeep Singh
There’s no bigger tone-setter in T20 cricket than the battle between an aggressive opener and the new-ball bowler. In this case, RCB’s blazing Englishman Phil Salt will go head-to-head with PBKS’s left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh — a contest that could heavily impact the powerplay momentum.
Salt has been in fiery form, most notably with his unbeaten 56 in Qualifier 1. Arshdeep, in contrast, has struggled in the playoffs, going wicketless in both knockout games. However, past encounters suggest the PBKS pacer can be Salt’s nemesis. Across formats — IPL, ODIs, and T20Is — Arshdeep has dismissed Salt five times in ten matchups. With his natural angle and swing, the left-armer has previously cramped Salt for room, disrupting his rhythm early on.
If Arshdeep rediscovers his form and gets Salt early, pressure mounts instantly on Virat Kohli, who may face a tricky matchup himself. But if Salt attacks successfully from the get-go, similar to how Josh Inglis rattled Jasprit Bumrah recently, it could force PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer into uncomfortable tactical changes.
#2 Rajat Patidar vs Yuzvendra Chahal
RCB skipper Rajat Patidar has earned respect for his leadership, but his batting form has been patchy lately. RCB would be desperate for their captain to bring his A-game when it matters most. Waiting for him will likely be Yuzvendra Chahal — and their duel is finely balanced.
In four IPL encounters, Patidar has struck at 148.1 against Chahal but has also fallen to him twice, both this season. If Chahal gets his lengths right, especially during the middle overs, he could shift the tide in PBKS’s favour. Patidar’s ability to counter Chahal’s guile and pace variations will be crucial if RCB hope to build a strong middle-overs phase.
#3 Shreyas Iyer vs Josh Hazlewood
Perhaps the most critical duel will feature PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer against RCB spearhead Josh Hazlewood. Shreyas has been inspirational, anchoring PBKS’s resurgence with a composed 87* in Qualifier 2. But Hazlewood has been RCB’s bowling linchpin, leading their attack with precision and calm under pressure.
In their six IPL meetings, Hazlewood has dismissed Iyer four times. The PBKS captain averages a meagre 2.80 and has a strike rate of just 50 against the Australian quick. Their most recent clash in Qualifier 1 ended with Shreyas falling to Hazlewood cheaply, prompting criticism for not reading the match situation better.
